Pedestrians hit the sidewalks of Kansas City every day on their way to school, work, or the market. But walking is hazardous at times. The vehicles refuse to slow down. The drivers are distracted. Accidents happen. When they do happen, the walkers are seriously injured. This website assists you in figuring out your rights. You could be hurt if a car drove over you. You may have no clue what to do. Read on to see when to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer in Kansas City and how he or she can assist you.
What are Pedestrian Rights in Kansas City?
Pedestrians are legally protected in Missouri. Walker rights protect pedestrians. If you know them, then you and family members are protected.
- Crosswalks: Cars are to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.
- Sidewalks: Walk on one if present. Otherwise, walk on the left side of traffic.
- Traffic Signals: Cross only when it is lighted to be safe to cross.
- Right-of-Way: Pedestrians generally have the right-of-way, but not always.
Drivers must watch out for walkers, either they are or are not. They might be the guilty party if they were to hit them over. Young and old are most vulnerable. More care is to be taken where schools are present and where crossroads are.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen
Pedestrian accidents most often happen because of distraction by drivers. Some of the commonest reasons are listed below:
- Distracted driving (phone call, eating, or texting)
- Speeding through school zones or residential areas with high population density
- Refusal to yield at a crosswalk
- Running stops signs or red lights
- Backing out of a parking space without looking along the road
Others result from inclement weather, lack of light, and parked cars so that one’s vision is blocked. Others fail to notice pedestrians at night. Reflective or neon clothing comes in handy.
Injuries Pedestrians Receive After an Accident
Car crash victims may get terrible injuries. They may take weeks to heal. Some may last forever. Some of the most typical injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injury
- Bruising and cuts
- Bleeding inside
These types of injuries are hospital stays of many days. Some individuals use canes or wheelchairs. Other people can’t work or perform things normally. It may affect their whole life. Others also hurt emotionally. After a wreck, they might be afraid of ever being able to walk again. Talking to a doctor or counselor can make a difference.
When to Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
Not all bumps and bruises require an attorney. Some wrecks do, however. Call an attorney if:
- You are seriously hurt
- The other party is accusing you
- The insurance company won’t pay
- You lost time or wages from work
- Your doctor’s bills are piling up
A lawyer walks you through these difficult questions. They stand in for you and aggressively negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies.
What an Attorney Can Do for You
A personal injury lawyer can do a lot of the legwork for you. Here’s how:
- Negotiate with the insurance company so that you don’t have to
- Take pictures, video, and witness statements as evidence
- Work with doctors to get information about your injuries
- Make claims and get matters in order
- Represent you in court if needed
They also make the law easy to understand in everyday language. You will not be confused or bewildered. They will lead you through it step by step. Do not pay a penny if you lose. Most solicitors are “no win, no fee.” That is to say that you do not need to pay them to come and see them.
What to Do in the Event of a Pedestrian Accident
If you’ve been in an accident, please treat yourself as follows:
- Call 911 and report the incident
- Get immediate medical attention
- Take photographs of the accident for documentation
- Document the contact information of individuals who witnessed the accident
- Get receipts and documents documented
- Call an attorney immediately
Also write down whatever you can remember. What were they doing before the wreck, during it, and afterwards? What did the driver say? You will use this later. Don’t talk to the driver’s insurance company without an attorney. They will attempt to trick you or offer you less than you deserve.
Kansas City Laws That Help You
There are laws in the state of Missouri which help protect pedestrians. The key laws are:
- Drivers have to stop at pedestrians who are crossing the crosswalk
- Driving on sidewalks is illegal
- Drivers have to yield when turning if someone is walking
- Pedestrians have to obey walk signs
There are also school zone regulations. Carriers must slow down and be cautious where kids walk. In a busy area, like downtown, carriers must slow down for individuals who walk at all times. If a carrier disobeyed one of the above rules and hit you, they can be sued. Disobeying car laws gets you a ticket, a fine, or taken to court.
How Much Time Do You Have to File a Claim
You have five years within the state of Missouri to file a personal injury claim. But don’t wait. The sooner you file, the better. Witnesses forget. Photos are misplaced. Documents go missing. Get advice from an attorney earlier so that they can put your case together correctly. If the child is hurt, the deadline will be longer. A lawyer will tell you about the laws governing your case.
Don’t Go It Alone
It scares you when you get hit by a car. You can get hurt, you can lose your job, and you can be stressed out. A lawyer makes it right. They hear you. They care. They know the law. More than anything, they will fight to get what’s yours. You are entitled to be able to walk without fear in Kansas City. If that was taken away from you, you deserve to be heard. Call a Kansas City personal injury lawyer if you were walking and injured. The call is free. The help is real with the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pedestrian Rights and Personal Injury in Kansas City
1. Do pedestrians always have right-of-way in Kansas City?
No. Pedestrians receive a right of way in crosswalks and where road signs tell them they may walk. But when there are no crosswalks, they will have to yield to cars. Always practice caution when walking.
2. Can I sue the driver who hit me on foot?
Yes. If the driver was negligent, you can sue for cash to cover your expenses. An attorney can establish that the driver was negligent.
3. What if the driver accuses me of not looking before crossing the curb?
Even if the driver accuses you, a lawyer can examine the facts. They review videos, interview witnesses, and decide if the driver committed anything unlawful.
4. How much do I get from a pedestrian accident?
It varies according to your injury, expense, and lost time. Some get a few thousand. Some get much higher. A lawyer will negotiate a reasonable amount.
5. Do I pay a lawyer upfront?
No. Personal injury lawyers typically operate on a No win, No fee basis. You pay only if you win your case.
Endnote
Guess your rights? Do it yourself? Think again. No chance you got hit by a car in Kansas City? Call a Kansas City Pedestrian Accident Lawyer today. They’ll piece your life back together.
(DISCLAIMER: The information in this article does not necessarily reflect the views of The Global Hues. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information in this article.)
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